Comings and goings ...

Lustin for Dustin wins the MVP of the American League. The most suprising part of this is the fact the he won by such a comfortable margin. Well deserved. Pedroia plays the game the right way all the time. Side note: how the heck could this writer from Texas not even put Dusty on his ballot? The guy went on WEEI yesterday and tried to explain how this could happen and he was very unconvincing.

Coco Crisp gets traded to Kansas City for a middle reliever. First of all, this Ramirez guy looks to be a very good addition. Solid numbers in seventy-one appearances last year. I wonder if this gets Masterson some consideration for the starting rotation next season.

Coco Crisp came to the Sox as the popular Johnny Damon's replacement. Many baseball "people" (whomever they really are) thought this was going to be a great trade for the Sox who subsequently signed Crisp to a baseball operations friendly contract. I would have to say that Crisp did not live up to the hype. He was a solid defensive center fielder who struggled offensively. A wrist injury interrupted his first season. He lost his job to Ellsbury in the playoffs last fall. This past season he jump started the team in the playoffs.

His legacy as a member of the Red Sox may be getting nearly run over by a mascot in Seattle. I'll remember him as a good teammate that gave his all to the club but never really reached that potential.

Question: Who becomes the fourth outfielder? I heard Sheffield's name -- don't want him and I doubt he'll take reserve role.

Question: Can Ellsbury handle the full time duties? You bet.

Question: Who is the next to go? Got to think Lugo. I have no interest in Dontrelle. Robertson maybe.

Wake to return in 2009

The Red Sox announced today that they have exercised the club's $ 4 million dollar option for their most tenured player.

Wakefield's 10-11 record in 2008 was a bit misleading. The bull pen surrendered leads roughly five to six times that cost him wins.

I like the move. Wake eats up innings (181 in 2008) and is a strong fourth or fifth starter. With Beckett, Lester and Dice-K in the first three spots, the team can afford a guy like Wake at the back at the rotation. More than likely, this means the fifth spot will be between Michael Bowden, Clay Buchholz or Justin Masterson. We'll examine the upcoming free agent troops in a couple of weeks.

Resigning Wake will make my wife happy. She enjoys watching his sweaty neck on the Plasma HD. Don't ask me.

Fin

So, this is how the season ends.

After battling back by fending off elimination in games 5 and 6, the Boston Red Sox 2008 season came to an end Sunday night in St. Petersburg. Entering the decisive game 7, the Sox seemingly had taken over the momentum of the series from the Rays. One of my favorite baseball sayings is "momentum is only as good as the next day's starting pitcher".

The story of the game was the fact that Matt Garza out pitched Jon Lester. Lester pitched pretty well but not well enough. Garza had electric stuff. Aside from Dustin Pedroia's first inning homer, Garza was in complete control. A fastball topping out at 95 MPH was complimented by a knee buckling 12 to 6 curve ball. The Sox (Jason Bay in particular) took some of the ugliest swings you will ever see at the major league level.

The defending champions best chance at victory came in the top half of the eighth inning. Jason Bartlett booted Alex Cora's routine grounder and Coco Crisp followed with a clutch single to right. The Nation was feeling it. The heart of the order up and the Rays were into their bull pen. Pedroia popped out to left (huge out) and David Ortiz bounced into a fielder's choice (Crisp's decision to do a take out slide proved costly). Kevin Youkilis walked to the load the bases. In a moment that unfortunately may live in the minds of Red Sox fans for sometime, young stud lefty David Price came on and blew away JD Drew.

With the lower part of the line up due up Joe Maddon made the best decision of the series by not doing anything. Price was left in the game instead of bringing in the hittable Grant Balfour. Bay walked but Kotsay (pitch was outside), Jason Varitek and pinch hitter Jed Lowrie were each overpowered. Forget Joba Chamberlin, David Price is the future of the AL East.

That is how it ended.

Let us not be quick to assign blame to individuals. Nor should fans seek out excuses (injury to Lowell) for the team's inability to return to the World Series. Experience tells us to let the dust settle and then make some rational judgments. We can rest assured that there will be plenty of analysis of what has transpired over the past week. Let us be clear on one important fact --- the 2008 Boston Red Sox did not fail in the ALCS because of a lack of effort, poor preparation or being out hustled. As hard as it is to admit, the team was outplayed by a talented team that performed extremely well on the big stage.

Congratulations to the Rays and their increasing fan base. What they were able to accomplish this season is extremely impressive. The last to first talk aside, they did what the Yankees in 2004 and the Indians in 2007 could not do -- stop the surging Boston Red Sox after losing big leads in the ALCS.

After digesting the happenings of the ALCS, I will continue the blog throughout the off season. Hot stove baseball keeps things always interesting. I would like to thank all those that participated in this blog by reading, commenting and voting in the polls throughout the year. Please check in over the course of the off season.

Can it happen again?

1986 ALCS, 2004 ALCS, 2007 ALCS and 2008 ALCS??

Game 6 was a beauty from the start. Listening to WRKO's broadcast because of a power failure in Atlanta, we had to wonder if BJ Upton is mortal. Youkilis' answer in the second was huge. Papi's double leads to a rbi ground out by Youk, Bartlett (??) ties it, Varitek (??) unties it and Bartlett gives Papi a chance and he capitalizes.

The Sox pitchers came through big time. Josh Beckett really didn't have too much. His four seamer was not exploding. He did PITCH very well. He threw as many curve balls as I can ever remember him using. I loved the decision to take him out after five innings. Okajima was the star of the game. Two innings of nothing for the Rays. Masterson was trying to throw the ball 100 miles a hour but settled down to retire the side. Paplebon looks to be on fumes but he did his thing.

Offensively the team did enough. Leaving 12 runners on base was frustrating. Kotsay is killing the ball but has little to show for it. Coco's three hits are encouraging. Varitek's screamer was ironic seeing it was his first hit in the series. We all had to feel good for him.

Game 7 tonight should be entertaining. The Sox must be in the Rays' heads. It could happen to any team not just this young one. Recent history suggests that the Sox will complete this improbable comeback tonight. I like the pitching match up.

After what Beckett did last night, Lester is going to come out and pitch well. The key for him is the ability to drop in some first pitch curve balls. This will allow him and Tek to keep the Rays young, aggressive hitters off stride.

Matt Garza can be an absolute head case. The biggest game of his life has to have this mental midget so stressed out that he wants to do too much. Hopefully this plays right into the Sox hitters desire to work counts. Balfour and Wheeler are toast.


My Game 7 hunches ...

Ellsbury pinch runs in a huge spot
Upton goes homerless
Longoria does not
Drew squares up at least two balls
Wheeler will pitch more than one inning
Game is decided by more than two runs

Happy watching.

Two Biggest Questions for Game 6

The two biggest questions heading into tonight's game 6 are ...

#1 How much can Beckett give the Sox tonight? He clearly is not 100% but neither was Schilling in 2004 or Pedro in 1999. The Nation needs him to give the team a chance to win the game by keeping us in the game for 5 to 6 innings. He did not do this in game two surrendering eight runs. Many of us are holding our breath waiting to see what he can do. Beckett loves to compete and will give the team whatever he has.

Look for the game to hinge on each team's bullpens; Howell, Baflour and Wheeler vs Okajima, Masterson and Papelbon.

#2 Will the Rays be spooked by Game 5? It cannot be easy seeing the light at the end of the tunnel only to be pushed further back into the darkness. This young, confident team has shown all season that they can comeback from disappointment. However, they have never been on this type of stage. Reading the Tampa papers on line, there were lines like; "As the clock struck midnight, the Rays turned into pumpkins" and "the 2007 Rays showed up from the seventh inning on". Right fielder Gabe Gross said the loss was "deflating" and Carl Crawford used the word "devastating".

This one is difficult to answer. If Beckett throws well and the Sox get some much needed timely hitting,which results in a Rays' loss. Does this mean Tampa was feeling the pressure? Not sure.

Maddon gave the Sox some life by alternating his bullpen. Hopefully, the Sox can take advantage. One thing is for sure, tonight's game will be intense and the most watched game of the playoffs so far.

Are You Kidding Me?

I actually posted in the seventh with the team down 7-0. I have saved that draft and may "nuke it, burn it, destroy it. It pains me to know it exists."

What a game. What a game. What a game.

Just when everyone (including me) has them counted out, the Red Sox fight back and win one of the most improbable comeback victories in postseason baseball history. So much to discuss. Pedroia a huge two out single to break the ice. Papi finally contributes with a three run bomb, JD launches a two run missile to pull the team within one and Coco puts on a tremendous at bat to tie the game. A Longoria error leads to JD's heroics in the bottom of the ninth.

Lost in much of this is a couple of perplexing moves by the Rays. How could you give life to the defending champs? Balfour literally opens the door in seventh. Maddon allows him to pitch to Papi. Left handers Howell and Miller in the bullpen waiting. Then he brings in Wheeler to hold the lead by getting the last seven outs. Perplexing.

It was weird listening to WEEI the last two days. Many fans voiced their displeasure and even questioned the team's heart. Even if next game or the game after leads to the end of the season, no one should question this team's courage and heart. A great way to send the Fenway Faithful home.

"Slip, slidin' away"

Another blow out loss last night. The Rays have scored thirty-one runs over the last three games. Wakefield had nothing while Sonnanstine dominated the line up. Undoubtedly, all of the momentum is on the side of the team from Tampa. The Sox continue to not pitch well and are unable to put together a string of hits needed for a big inning. All seems lost.

However, it is always darkest before the dawn. Our top three pitchers are lined up for the last three games. Granted Beckett and Lester got shelled in their last outings but I still like the team's chances if we can just get to a Game 6. Dice-K has the team's best winning percentage as a starter and was masterful in Game 1. He is opposed by game 2 starter Scott Kazmir, who very easily could have given up 20 runs to the Sox. If we could just get some timely hitting and Dice-K and the bullpen can hold these guys down, I like our chances in Tampa.

Game 6 would pit Beckett against James Sheilds. Joe Maddon must realize that the Sox will hit Kazmir and is putting all of his eggs in Sheilds' basket. Hopefully, Beckett is up to the task. How about the Sox moving Lester up to this start? That would leave Game 7 to Beckett against Garza. Anything can happen in a game 7. Imagine Papelbon pitching four innings in a winner take all game?

There are a couple of things that need to happen;

#1 The starting pitching must give the team a chance. Lester and Wakefield provided the offense the daunting task of making up five runs early. This cannot happen again.
#2 The offense has to hit. The Rays are not going to walk people or make errors (Longoria was avoiding a splintered bat last night). Whether or not Ellsbury or Drew bats lead off, the offense has to have some one jump start the team.

There are a couple of things I would like to see happen;

#1 The Fenway Faithful needs to get into the game. Of the four teams remaining in the playoffs, the crowd at Fenway seems to be the least boisterous and loud. Are we getting too spoiled? Granted, an early deficit makes it difficult to be in the game but you paid big bucks for those seats -- get loud and I don't mean booing.
#2 Francona gets aggressive. Offensively the team is struggling. Why not hit and run or steal a bag? The Rays have our defense on our heels. Let's return the favor. Pedroia and Bay should be able to swipe a bag. If Ellsbury or Crisp can get on base that would help.
#3 Papi stops running his mouth and starts to produce. After game 1 he said he saw "fear" in the Rays dugout. Yesterday he said, "don't let us win game 5". Well, big boy make it happen.

Game 5 will be real interesting. I cannot wait to see how the team, manager and crowd responds to the recent struggles.

Rays take advanatge in Game 3

Jon Lester didn't have it. Matt Garza did. Much of a team's fortunate in the playoffs comes down to the starting pitching. Lester gave up two long home runs that spotted the Rays a 5-0 lead and that was about it for the Sox because Garza was pounding the zone.

There seems to be many question marks. Varitek? We have accepted the fact that you are not going to hit (Was anyone surprised at the called third strike with runners at second and third?) but a pass ball that leads to the first run, really? Ellsbury? When he gets on base, the Sox are a much better team. Ortiz? What does he have left? Did he notice that Pena bunted against the shift? Wakefield? Can he just get us into the sixth with a lead or tie game? Our top two pitchers both got absolutely tattooed, can we still win this thing or is it over?

This thing is far from decided. As the philosopher Bluto said in Animal House, "Over? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!" Like Bluto we all need a little history lesson.

1986 ALCS versus the Angels. Sox down 3 games to 1, tie game 5 in the top of the ninth with two outs and two strikes on Dave Henderson's homer. Sox win the series in seven games.

1999 ALDS versus the Indians. Down 2 games to none, the Sox win the series by sweeping three straight games behind Troy O'Leary, Nomar Garciaparra and Pedro Martinez.

2003 ALDS versus the A's. Again down 2 games to none, the Sox shock the favored A's by sweeping three straight.

2004 ALCS versus the Yankees. The only team in major sports to ever come back from a 3-0 series deficiet to win four straight. The World Series was anti climatic. 86 years later we can say champions again.

2007 ALCS versus the Indians. Down 3 games to 1, the Sox take three straight to advance and win the World Series again.

If there is one franchise in sports today that can overcome any deficit it is the Boston Red Sox. Obviously, things do not look good but let us have faith. The organization has proven in the past that they can overcome anything.

Rays don't lose

The Tampa Bay Rays did not win this morning's game, they simply did not lose it. Yes, that means the Sox lost it. How else can you describe a game that was won on three walks (one intentional) and a 175 foot pop up that scores Usain Bolt's brother from third?

Believe me when I say, I realize it was a great back and forth game. Both teams were battling like this game was the last one in the series. In actuality it was. A Sox victory would have been the end of the series. There is no way a 2-0 lead going to Fenway would have been wasted. These are not the 2004 Yankees.

An optimist would say: "The Red Sox did what they had to in St. Pete. The match up is now a five game series with the Sox having gained home field advantage. The Rays used their top three relievers exhaustively in Game 2. Besides, we all know that MLB and Vegas want this series to go more than four games. The home plate umpire was certainly in on it. We scored eight runs off of their stud pitcher and relievers. Get some rest because tomorrow is a new day. We have the best pitcher on the planet right now going in game 3." I love those optimists. Voltaire's title character in Candide would exclaim, "All is for the best" as the cruelest and most absurd things happen to him.

A pessimist would say: "First and foremost, I did not stay up for five hours, drink three Red Bull and vodkas, pull what hair I have left out and run outside in my boxer briefs for good luck just to see Mike Timlin and his 5.67 ERA pitch in a tie game. His roster spot was a kind gesture with the only possibility of him pitching being to eat up innings in a lopsided win or loss. We scored eight runs and still could not win. This morning's loss has left a huge void in my soul that will can never be refilled." I love those pessimists. We all know people like this. They can suck the life out of you when you ask a simple, "How's it going?" They go on for 10 minutes on how life is just so unfair and imperfect. My response to these people, "Grow up and get used to it because you are right life is unfair and imperfect. Deal with it."

The truth lies somewhere in the middle of these two. The Sox did accomplish their mission in the first two games but missed an opportunity in Game 2 to put an end to the series.

Points to ponder :

• What is Paul Byrd doing on the postseason roster? I believe he is a better option than Timlin in that spot.
• Beckett was awful tonight. News broke today that he received a pain relieving injection in his oblique before the playoffs. Should Byrd take the game 6 start?
• Did Papelbon not go out for the 11th inning because of the shot he took off of his arm in the 10th? He is the one guy we cannot lose.
• David Ortiz looks awful. He is trying to hit the every pitch into 500 feet to right field. This guy batting .332 last year by staying back and hitting the ball to left center field. In his next to last at bat, Pedroia had walked with no one out and I was seriously telling Ortiz to bunt the ball done the third base line. With that shift on Pedrioa could have ended up at third at the very least we get a guy in scoring position.
• The Rays are not pushovers they offer a greater challenge than the Indians did last year and we all know how that series went. The Rays are talented and have a swagger to them that some call youthful exuberance. Regardless, it is a dangerous thing for an opposing team to have.
• Two outs, runner at first in the ninth. Paplebon is in to face Carlos Pena. The Sox are in the shift. On the 2-1 pitch the runner goes to steal second and neither Youkilis (playing the shortstop position) or Lowrie go to cover second. They were conceding the bag to remain in the shift. The ball was fouled off but can anyone explain why we would allow the winning run to get into scoring position without attempting to defend the steal?
• Craig Sager's outfit tonight was actual not bad considering he was in Retirement Central. On the deplorable scale, we'll go with 3.5.
• 4:37 PM start on Monday. Thank goodness.

One down three to go

Sox take Game 1 at the Trop behind an impressive performance from Dice-K and some timely pitching and hitting.

Dice-K escaped an early first inning jam and then cruised into the eighth inning. I was not sure of the logic for letting him start the inning. Regardless two hits later, led to the crucial situation of the game. Okajima was summoned to to face Carlos Pena with two on and none out. Nursing a slim two run lead, Okajima went to 3-0 on Pena. The Baseball Gods were aligned for the Sox because Pena swung on 3-0 and subsequently hit a sinking line drive that was snagged by JD Drew. Thank you Joe Maddon!!!

Justin Masterson relieved Okajima and induced an inning ending 6-4-3 double play. Papelbon becomes the all time playoff leader in innings pitched without allowing an earned run by closing it out in the ninth.

Simply a huge win for the Sox. The Rays must win game two or face a 2-0 deficeit heading into Lester's start at Fenway. Beckett versus Kazmir. Let's go Josh!!

BTW -- I'm pretty sure Balfour hit JD on purpose to load the bases. Bush League. Sager jacket and tie ensemble was a deplorable 8.5 out of 10.

ALCS Preview

Let's again dissect this championship series match up by breaking down the keys (in order of importance) to winning at this time of the year. The Angels faltered in the defense and timely hitting areas.



Starting Pitching: Games 1 and 5 -- James Sheilds (14-8 3.56) vs. Dice-K (18-3 2.90 ERA) , Games 2 and 6 --Scott Kazmir (12-8 3.49) vs. Beckett (12-10 4.03 ERA) Game 3 and 7 -Lester (16-6 3.21 ERA) vs. Matt Garza (11-9 3.71 ERA) and Game 4 Wakefield (10-11 4.13 ERA) vs Andy Sonnanstein (13-9 4.38 ERA) .

I loved what Francona had to say about the rotation. The order is not that important. It is a seven game series, thus game one is not any more important than game two or three. Having Beckett and Lester lined up for games six and seven is a great feeling. The Rays are going with the same order they used in the ALDS. From a match up perspective, I like the Sox in the games that Lester (is there anyone in baseball you would rather have on the mound?) and Beckett (the last start was just to get the rust out of the way) are pitching. Sheilds is an absolute bulldog on the mound. He has a presence on the mound that is reminiscent of Curt Schilling -- "I will not let you beat me". Kazmir is not the Sox killer he once was. He is throwing way too many pitches. Garza and Sonnanstein are similar in the fact that they come right after the hitters but must paint the corners to get guys out. The Sox lineup's ability to work counts will benefit them versus these two guys. Let's say the Sox are up 2-1 going to Game 4, Wakefield is the wild card. What he gives or does not give the Sox will be huge.

ADVANTAGE -- Sox - Beckett and Lester to the rescue



Bullpen -- This is the strength of the Rays. Fireballers Grant Balfour (51 games, 6-2, 1.54 ERA) , lefty J.P. Howell (6-1, 2.22 ERA) and closer Dan Wheeler (70 games 3.12 ERA) were all dominate in the ALDS and averaged over a strikeout per inning during the regular season. Sox castoff and submariner Chad Bradford (21 games 1.42 ERA) has filled in nicely also. The Rays beat the Sox ten of eighteen games this past season. Of those ten wins eight were by one run, this was because of the prowess of the Rays bullpen. The Sox bullpen has shaped up nicely since mid season. Okajima and Masterson are the bridge to the spectacular (has never given up an earned run in his postseason career) Papelbon. Lopez and Delcarmen will help also.
The Rays have prospered with this bull pen and it is difficult to bet against this group.

ADVANTAGE -- Rays



Offensive "Punch" and timely hitting -- The Rays did not have one regular bat over .300. They also do not have a steady power source other than Carlos Pena (.247, 31 hr, 102 rbi) and Evan Longoria (.272, 27 hr, 85 rbi). The guy we need to keep off the bases is second baseman Akinori Iwamura (.276, 91 runs). He seems to always be in the middle of a Rays rally. BJ Upton got hot in the ALDS but has done nothing against the Sox this year. Catcher Dioneer Navarro is solid. The Sox got a great series from Jacoby Ellsbury and Jason Bay in the ALDS. JD Drew (does he start game two vs. Kazmir?) looks to be healthy and Jed Lowrie's confidence must be sky high. Dustin Pedroia looks tired from playing 150 plus games in the regular season. David Ortiz owns Sheilds (both James and the Angels Scot) and should have a solid series. Youkilis is as steady as they come.

ADVANTAGE -- Sox -- line up is deeper and more likely to put up some early runs.



Defense -- The Rays infield has been close to spectacular this year. Bartlett and Longoria on the right side of the infield are future gold glovers. The Sox without Lowell take a blow to their defense by playing either Youkilis or Lowrie at one corner then Kotsay at the other. The Sox do have an advantage in outfield defense. The catching matchup scares me a little. Can Varitek (and the pitchers) control the Rays' running game? This is a huge aspect of their offense. Navarro is sold behind the plate but faces the daunting task of dealing with Ellsbury.

ADVANTAGE -- slightly to the Rays



Managers -- Francona has a huge advantage in experience here but Maddon has pushed the right buttons all year long. The handling of the late inning match ups between relievers and the batters is most significant here. I'll go with experience.



ADVANTAGE -- Sox



Prediction -- I would feel better with home field advantage. Look for the crowd in that thing they call a ballpark to be loud and boisterous. The Rays have been rolling all season long. Many predicted their demise but they have answered the bell every time. The Sox look to be peaking at the right time. My big key is Ellsbury and Pedroia getting on base and setting the stage for the middle of the order. I think the rest is pretty predictable -- we know about the Rays bullpen, Lester and Beckett and the Sox offense. I think it comes down to Lester in game seven and his legend will continue to grow.

Sox win a dramatic back and forth series 4 ( games 2,3,6,7) to 3 (1,4,5).

Sox Pitching Rotation for ALCS

Red Sox manager Terry Francona today announced on WEEI his rotation for the ALCS, which kicks off on Friday night in St. Petersburg, Fla. against the Rays:

Game 1: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 2: Josh Beckett
Game 3: Jon Lester
Game 4: Tim Wakefield
Game 5: Matsuzaka
Game 6: Beckett
Game 7: Lester

We will preview the series on Thursday.

Please see the new poll!

Sox are something else

What a game! Lowrie singles in Bay for the series winner in the bottom of the ninth. Much drama at the Fens.

Lester was spectacular again. He was in command the entire game leading 2-0. With 109 pitches through seven innings, Francona decided to go to the pen and summon Okajima. I was not feeling this move. Lester was unhittable up to the point.

Regardless, Oki gets two ground outs but inexcusably walks Teixeira. In comes Masterson who walks Vlad (Why is Varitek calling for three straight high fastballs?). Masterson and Varitek get crossed up which results in a passed ball / wild pitch. Hunter then singles in the tying runs.

Up to that point, Red Sox Nation had to be questioning its karma. Until .... the botched squeeze play. What a huge play. I think it was the right play (2-0 count, best bunter up). Big break for the Sox.

Karma Questioning Continued in the bottom of the ninth. With Sheilds dropping curve balls off the table and mixing an exploding 95 mph fastball, things did not look promising. Reggie Willits dives for Bay's blooper. His effort comes up short but the Angels get a fortuitous bounce resulting in a ground rule double. That ball stays in play and Bay gets a series winning inside the park homer. Kotsay follows with a laser that is snagged by Teixeira. We all must have been thinking, "What must we do?". Lowrie's seeing eye single wins it.

Some series observations:

Six people (including me) picked the Sox in four games.

The Angels defense did not shine.

Craig Sager's outfit was much better tonight.

John Lackey competed his tail off in Games 1 and 4.

Nice camera action in the Angels dugout constantly showing their displeasure over ball and strikes.

I hope Brian Giles had fun watching the series on television. Someone, someday needs to explain that one to me.

Angels live to play another day

We must respect the effort and fortitude displayed by the Angels but we certainly had some opportunities. Jon Lester gets the start in a huge game tonight.

I do not want to see a Dice-K game 5.

Another late night but well worth it. Watching a great playoff baseball game is better than the best movie or television show anyone can watch. Even better than my current favorites; How I Met Your Mother and Lost. The drama and anticipation of not knowing is riveting. It is more real because you'll never know when "it" will happen. In a movie or tv show, there are time constraints. Who will be the hero? Which player is going to be "money" in a clutch situation? Goat? Choke? All of these questions will get answered but we don't know when. Baseball is unlike any other sport because you have to play the game out to win. You can't take a knee like in football or stall like in basketball. To win you are required to get outs, you can't run out the clock with a three run lead. I love that.

A couple of game observations;

Beckett never looked comfortable. His efficiency was Dice-K-esque. Not being able to throw strike one puts a pitcher at such a huge disadvantage. How about his inability to cover first base twice.?

The Angels in the Outfield self-destructed again. Ellsbury's three run single was a farce. Part of the blame certainly goes to the second baseman Howie Kendrick but still Torii Hunter has to make that play. Has anyone noticed how deep the Angels outfielders are playing?

The Sox bullpen of Delcarmen, Okajima, Masterson, Papelbon were outstanding. This huge question mark has turned into the team's strength. Terry Francona continues to make all the right moves concerning match ups and getting the guys out of there before the opponents get to them.

Worries. Pedroia looks out of rhythm. He is not getting good swings at all (other than his at bat in the 11th). We are going to need him to bust out sooner rather than later. Lowell is in some serious discomfort. It is painful even watching him do his job. I hope Game 3 did not deplete the bull pen for tonight's Game 4.

Craig Sager must realize his sport coat, shirt and tie combinations are awful. We must assume someone has mentioned to him the fact that those colors are offensive. Then again, I'm sure he is doing it for attention and that is what I am giving him.

TBS has done a great job so far covering the playoffs. Aside from the Frank TV commercials, I have truly enjoyed watching and listening to the games. They are not overdoing it like the Fox games seem to.

I don't like to play Monday morning quarterback but why did Francona let Cora hit instead of pitching hitting Sean Casey? It is obvious The Manager has no confidence in The Mayor.

The home plate umpire was terrible for both teams. Please no complaints.

Late Night With J.D.

Another game going into the wee hours of the morning and another Red Sox victory. Last night's (actually today's) hero was none other than J.D. Drew. He hit an absolute bomb off of K Rod in the ninth to break a 5-5 game. Sox had jumped out to an early lead in the first on Drew's rbi double and Jason Bay's three run homer. Dice-K pitched well enough to win. The middle relievers (Okajima, Masterson) kept the damage to a minimum and Paplebon was rock solid again.

A huge win for the Sox. We now turn to Josh Beckett to close this series out on Sunday.

Some observations:

• Interesting move by Francona bringing Papelbon into the game in the eighth with the tying run on third with no outs. I did not think it was the right move. File this under "Exhibit J" in the "This is Why Francona is the Manager of the Red Sox and I'm not" dossier.
• Each divisional series has a team up 2-0. My most surprising is the Dodgers. They have dominated the Cubs. Sox fans can definitely feel their pain.
• The team with the best shot of coming back from a 2-0 deficit is the very same Cubs. Harden and Dempster (or if they go to Lily in game 4) can get them back to Wrigley Field.
• The Angels have been no Angels in the Outfield. Matthews loses one in the lights in game 1 and Hunter drops one in game 2. Also, there were a couple of balls that they have not gotten the best breaks on that could have been caught. Juan Rivera did not look fleet of foot.
• Speaking of Torii Hunter, he pulled a Milton Bradley by turning his knee arguing a close call at first base. Makes you wonder how Dave Henderson was able to land without hurting himself after celebrating his game tying homer in game 5 of the 1986 ALCS. For those keeping track, Game 4 of that series was the last time the Angels have beaten the Sox in a playoff game. Twenty-two years and eleven games later they are still searching for that last out.
• Youk's play in the ninth going into the stands was tremendous.
• Papelbon has been automatic in the playoffs. Seventeen consecutive innings without allowing a run.
• In 2002 the Angels won a World Series. That was six years ago. Enough with the Rally Monkey!! It was stupid then and is now officially idiotic. Fans bringing stuffed monkeys to a baseball game is not good. Maybe the Sox should have Millar show up in the eighth inning of game 3 and he can do his Cowboy Rally Dance. Knowing Millar, he would probably do it for a ticket to the game.

Game 1 is in the Books

Lester was spectacular. Ellsbury andYouk make two huge defensive plays in the eighth. Bay goes ya-ya. Ellsbury gets four hits (that was not an error). Masterson survives. Tek with a big sac bunt.



Angels have to be scratching their heads. Lackey was real good. Big time pressure on them to win game 2. Can we come up with a good curse catch phrase for 10 straight playoff wins versus an opponent?



Buck Martinez was solid in the booth, too.



I am going to bed.

ALDS Preview

Let's dissect this divisional match up by breaking down the keys (in order of importance) to winning at this time of the year:

Starting Pitching: Games 1 and 4 -- Lackey (12-5 3.75) vs. Lester (16-6 3.21 ERA), Games 2 and 5 -- Santana (16-7 3.49) vs. Dice-K (18-3 2.90 ERA) and Game 3 -- Beckett (12-10 4.03 ERA) vs. Saunders (17-7 3.41 ERA).

While the Angels are a very balanced team (like the Sox) their starting pitching has kept them in games throughout the season. No team has a decided advantage in this category. Lackey and Santana struggled last year in the playoffs vs the Sox while Lester (one start in Game 4 of the World Series) and Dice-K performed well enough to help the Sox win it all. Beckett's injury is key here. I don't care about the records, Beckett is the team's #1 starter. His playoff performances last year and in 2003 for the Marlins were both dominating. His oblique injury is a concern. We must believe he beats Saunders in Game 3 at Fenway. Pitching only once in the divisional series bodes well for the ALCS but we have to get there first.

ADVANTAGE -- slightly to Sox

Bullpen -- K Rod (MLB record 62 saves, 2.24 ERA) vs. Papelbon (41 saves, 2.34 ERA) is a wash. The Angels strength lies in their middle relief. With a lead entering the seventh inning, these guys have been unbeatable. This Jose Arredondo (10-2 1.61 ERA) guy has been unbelievable. Throw in Scott Sheilds (1.62 ERA), converted starter Jerad Weaver and these guys have filthy stuff. Their weakness is having to use Darren Oliver to get lefties (Ortiz, Drew) out. The Sox counter with Delcarmen (3.27 ERA), Masterson (3.16 ERA), Lopez (2.43 ERA) and Okijima (2.61 ERA). This is where the Sox will do or die. Many pundits contend this is where the key to the series lies. Okijima's performance is the most vital.

ADVANTAGE -- marginally to Angels

Offensive "Punch" and timely hitting -- This is where the Angels have improved the most since last year's injury plagued playoffs. Mark Teixeira (.358 avg, 43 rbi in 54 games) has been a huge difference maker for this line up. Vlad has excelled (.348 since and like 12 home runs) since the midseason trade. Howie Kendrick is back after an injury and Torii Hunter (21 home runs, 78 rbi) has strengthen the line up. Old guy Garrett Anderson is still around. The Sox counter with Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis, and Ortiz. All should produce. It would be nice if Youk and Papi could catch fire. The key to the Sox's line up is whether or not Drew and Lowell can give us some production. A line up with Cora, Lowrie, Varitek / Cash and Kotsay on the bottom of the order is going to put a lot of pressure on the pitching to keep us in every game.

ADVANTAGE -- Toss up

Defense -- Both teams are strong but not spectacular. Hunter has made the Angels considerable better by moving Matthews to rightfield and allowing Anderson to DH. Lowrie at shortstop has stabilized an average Sox defense before his arrival. I expect Lowell, being banged up, will be tested by the Angels speedy guys (Figgins) bunting for hits. The Sox may be able to run on the starting catcher, Jeff Mathis.

ADVANTAGE -- Toss Up

Managers -- Scioscia and Francona are two of the best in the business. Both are battle tested and have proven to keep their cool under the microscope that is the playoffs

ADVANTAGE -- Even

Prediction -- Real tight. Assuming Lowell and Drew are healthy, I like the Sox in four. Not looking forward to Dice-K in Game 5. I know he has been spectacular away from home but ... Winning a game in Anaheim is an absolute must. The Angels "small ball" is overrated versus the veteran Sox. Coco in centerfield is their dream. Look for the Sox to give them some of their own medicine as far as putting pressure on the defense.

New Poll

New poll question focusing in on predicting the upcoming divisional series versus the Angels. Angels have beaten the Sox eight out of nine times this year. The Sox have literally owned the Angels in the playoffs including sweeps in '04 and '07.

I'll analyze the series before the opener on Wednesday night.

Manny is smarter than all of us

Quitter. Thief. Jerk. Whiner. Weirdo. Punk. Brat. Idiot. How about we add "genius"?

Manny Ramirez will play his fiftieth game for the LA Dodgers tonight. That will put him at exactly half the amount of games he played with the Sox. Being the curious fool I am, I was wondering what this guy's stats were for the Dodgers. The numbers astonished me. This guy purposely underachieved for the Red Sox.

Keep in mind the Red Sox have a better line up and a hitter "friendly" ballpark, Manny's numbers in LA are unreal. In half the games, he has almost as many homers (20/16) and doubles (22/14). Also he has increased his average by 100 points (.299/.395), on base percentage by 90 points (.398/.488), slugging 127 points higher (.529/.746) and has an OPS (on base plus slugging%) 307 points higher (.927/1.234)!!!!!

Are you kidding me? What other conclusion can we come to? The numbers do not lie. This guy is all that is wrong with professional sports. It baffles my mind how athletes in the last year of their contracts perform so much better than when they are not. Think Mike Mussina this year. People that play fantasy sports will tell you they draft players based on this.

Manny went the other way. In the last year of his contract, he and agent Scott Boras knew that performing poorly would benefit him. With the team holding two option years at $20 million each, he decided he could get more. So he becomes an even bigger P.I.N.T.A. than he has ever before and forces the team to trade him (and drop the option years). He now can show off his immense talent and get the contract of $100 million over the next four years he thinks he deserves.

You know the craziest part? Someone (Hank, Frank McCourt, Omar Minaya) will pay this guy that money. Utterly unbelievable!!

With all this being said, I truly appreciate what this man has done for the Red Sox during his tenure here. However, I will not applaud him upon his return to Fenway. Manny being Manny has finally left Phil being Furious.

Johnny Pesky to get his number retired

Reports out of Boston are indicating that long time player, manager and special instructor Johnny Pesky will have his number 6 retired this weekend in a pregame ceremony.

The 89 year old Pesky has spent a great deal of his life associated with the team and still has a locker in the team's locker room.. This is a surprise move because the criteria for this honor (10 years with the team, end career with team and member of the Hall Of Fame) is not met in this case. Pesky is not a membe rof the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He will join Bobby Doerr (1), Joe Cronin (4), Carl Yastrzemski (8), Ted Williams (9) and Carlton Fisk (27) as former Sox players with their numbers retired.

An exception was made for Fisk who ended his playing career with the Chicago White Sox but was hired by the team after his retirement.

Should the team have bent the rules? Or is the team rewarding a man that has meant a great deal to the organization.

"Playoffs? Playoffs?"

Congrats to Red Sox Nation for unofficially clinching a playoff berth for the fifth time in six years. This is no small accomplishment. Consider the past nine postseasons, only the Yankees with eight appearances have more than the Sox with five. Also only two other defending World Series champions -- 2002 Diamondbacks and 2005 Red Sox -- have qualified for postseason play.

We are currently enjoying the Golden Age of the Red Sox. I realize that from 1912-1918, the franchise won four World Series but, the number of teams have doubled since then and the game has become more far balanced (i.e. free agency).

The team and its players are more popular now than either has ever been. Four hundred fifty consecutive sell outs at Fenway. For the second consecutive season, the team has led all of baseball in road attendance. The team also leads the league in buying power. More Red Sox hats, jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts are sold than any other team in Major League Baseball.

The franchise's successful management style is the model for all other teams. The model for success includes; a strong farm system, maximizing stadium revenue, Moneyball approach in drafting and signing players, Bill James' statistical analysis, and spending money on advanced scouting. Other teams are trying to keep up with the way in which ownership has set up this franchise for success.

Regardless of how this year's playoffs turn out, there is no better time to be a Boston Red Sox fan than today. Let us enjoy the ride and not take this run for granted.

Down the stretch they come ....

Last night's win leaves the Sox percentage points behind the Rays. The next two games of the series more than likely will end in a split (Beckett vs Sonnastine and Garza vs Wakefield) leaving the teams deadlocked.

The Sox would have 10 games remaining (@Toronto for three, Cleveland at home for four and the Yankees at home for three) while the Rays would play 12 games (Minnesota at home for four, @ Baltimore for four and @ Detroit for four) in 11 days. The schedule definitely favors the Red Sox.

The more I think about it the more I like the idea of going all out (with in reason) for the division. The AL East Champ would have home field advantage and draw the White Sox. This is a far better match up than going out west and playing Angels. If the Sox could outlast the Rays they could have home field throughout the playoffs (Angels lose in divisional round, AL won the All Star game so the AL has home field in the World Series). While the biggest concerns are to set the rotation and be healthy (think Lowell and Drew) for the playoffs, the Sox are aiming for the division.

Last night was a breeze. I think the next two games are going to be like playoff games.

Just What The Doctor Ordered

I'm better now.

Wakefield gave the team a huge lift after back to back discouraging losses. After his last performance fans had to be wondering if Wakefield had lost it. Wakefield continues to amaze.


Six games left with Toronto, who is on fire, and three versus the Rays. Best record in the league is still within reach but seems unlikely. I like the fact that the team is trying to win the division (and a match up with the White Sox).

BTW ....

• The pick ups of Byrd and Kotsay have been huge. The Sox lost nothing except low level prospects fro each and some cash. Byrd just seems to keep the team in the game long enough for the bullpen to take over. Kotsay has played more than even he thought. Don't expect either to be with the team next year.
• Timlin is done. He has been great in the past but we must put a fork in him, done. He shouldn't be on the postseason roster.
• Saw Brian Daubach at the game on Tuesday. He was in the standing room only section I was in. WEEI's box must have been crowded. Dauber just blended in. So much for one of the original Boston Dirt Dawgs
• Whatever happened to Doug Mirabelli? Surprised no team picked him up. That's a joke people. We gave up Josh Bard and Cla Meredith for him to catch a knuckle ball every fifth day. Sounds like a Tek and Lowe for Heathcliff deal to me.
• Great line from ESPN's Around the Horn - Manny loves L.A. He gets to show up in the third and leave by the seventh.
• Playoff rotation -- Beckett, Lester, Dice K, Byrd. Wakefield makes the roster as insurance and a long relief guy. Make sure Tek catches him beforehand. Remember 2004, Game 5 vs Yankess at Fenway?
• Is Tom Brady really the face of the NFL? Is the league going to redo the logo to put his likeness on it? Sort of like Jerry West and the NBA. My vote is for Ray Lewis' imagine during pregame intros to go on the logo. That represents the NFL more than Giselle's boyfriend and that actress' baby's daddy.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhh

While in attendance last night, I was able to feel the full spectrum of emotions. Frustrated with the fact that Dice-K refuses to challenge hitters, relieved that the bull pen held the Rays in check, elated when Bay hits the go ahead homer, surprised that Papelbon threw only one pitch other than a fastball and mystified as to how the manager handled the bottom of the ninth inning.

Disclaimer: I am not playing Monday morning quarterback. My buddy who was at the game with me heard me saying these things well before they happened.

Down one run, Kotsay leads off with a walk. The struggling Varitek is up next with Ortiz (who pinch hit earlier) on deck. THIS IS NOT A BUNT SITUATION. We want Ortiz up with a chance to tie the game. By sacrificing Kotsay to second this allows the Rays to intentionally walk Ortiz and win the game by getting Crisp and Lowrie out. I do realize that Maddon would be walking the go ahead run but there is no way he would let Ortiz beat him. NO WAY.

So Francona decides to have Varitek sacrifice. If you have made up your mind that you are giving up an out, why not pinch hit Cora or someone else who is more skilled than Tek to bunt? I don't want to hear anything about hitting for a guy who you need to play defense in the top of the tenth inning. You need to get there first. Regardless ...

The baseball gods are smiling on us. Percival's first pitch is up (he is trying to get a pop up) and Tek takes it for a ball. On the pitch, the Rays show that they are playing an aggressive bunt defense by charging the corner infielders. So now Francona can have Tek take a pitch, sacrifice again, square and take the pitch, hit away or hit and run. Options 1,3,4 and 5 are all better than 2. Two falls right into what the Rays want: a chance to pitch around Ortiz. Naturally, Tek squares at a pitch headed for his abnormally sized quads and nips the ball with his bat on an attempt. Options one, three and four would have resulted in a hit batsman or ball. Option five gets you a stolen base, hit, foul ball or ground out that results in the advancing of the runner. With the corners up so far (and charging on the pitch), the call should have been for a hit and run. The shortstop would have to cover second and the second baseman would have to be shaded towards first in case of the expected bunt. All Tek needs to do is get on top of the ball and hit it on the ground. A foul ball (likely scenario) would tell the Rays the bunt is not certain and they would not be able to play so aggressively trying to cut the runner down at second base.

The one ball, one strike count goes to 1 and 2 after Tek feebly fouls his next bunt attempt back. He then takes a called third strike (how can you not attempt to put the ball in play in the situation?) on a backdoor slider. Ortiz pops up after being ahead 3-0. With two outs Ellsbury runs for Kotsay (great move, Ellsbury did not run earlier because Francona wanted to run for either Tek or more likely Ortiz -- tying run) and steals second and goes to third on an overthrow. Crisp pops out. Ballgame.

Blame may go to Papelbon, Dice-K or even Ortiz for not doing what is expected of them. My ire is reserved for the manager for not making the right moves.

"Let's Get It On"

Sox vs Rays never sounded so enticing. 1.5 games separate the two teams that will represent the AL East as the champion of the division and the AL as the wild card entrant. Got to hand it to the Rays for literally challenging the Sox and Yanks this year.

In Spring Training the Rays brawled with the Yanks over a hard slide at second base. Earlier in the regular season, the Rays and Sox brawled when Coco Crisp rushed the mound after a hard slide the game before. Credit the Rays, particularly Joe Maddon, for not backing down to the established "bullies" in the division.

Let's not put too much stock in this series and the upcoming series vs Toronto and the visit to the Trop. The winner of the division will play the White Sox and the wild card gets the Angels. Traditionally among the "big three" sports, home field advantage matters least in baseball. In 2004 the Sox went to Anaheim and New York to win series. We would love to play as many games at Fenway as we can but considering how well the team has played on the road of late, it is not crucial.

It will be fun to see how the Rays react after struggling of late. This is their first true significant series. The home team has swept the visitors each time this year.

Bold predictions for the series:

• Ortiz is ready to go on a tear
• The Rays pen will falter as the season gets into crunch time
• Lester (I jinxed him last time) will pitch well tonight
• Rays win Tuesday night Kazmir over Dice-K
• Beckett wins Wednesday over Sonnanstine
• Toughest out for the Sox will be Pena
• Maddon will walk Ortiz at least twice intentionally
• Varitek will struggle against the entire series
• Lowell will one game by knocking in the winning run

Beckett's back

Beckett's back!

Thanks to those that took part in the poll. I certainly feel better about our postseason chances after watching last night's game.

The best sign of last night's performance was the fact that Beckett was allowed to throw eighty pitches after the team said his limit was to be 50 - 60 pitches. Beckett did spot his pitches well and also changed speeds effectively. I liked the fact that he was not trying to blow the ball by the Ranger hitters. He topped out last night at around 93. In contrast he is usually in the 95-96 mph range. As he begins to trust his elbow more that velocity should return.

As another sign that the team's main goal is to make the playoffs rather than win the division (they want to win the division but will not sacrifice the health of the team to do so) is the fact that they allowed Beckett to take his time returning. Getting two weeks off is a great way to be refreshed for the playoffs. Obviously, management did not want this to happen but the time off allows the batteries to get recharged, especially for a pitcher. Jon Lester was given extended rest at the all star break, Wakefield was given a couple of weeks for a tired shoulder, Schilling was given extra days last year.

Do you think Lowell, Youkilis and Drew aren't chomping at the bit to get back on the field?

Scary realization but the Red Sox seem to be peaking and getting healthy at the right time.

Pedroia Paranoria Part II

On April 23rd I posted about the incredible start Little Dusty was having. At the time he has leading the league both with 11 doubles and batting at a .365 clip. Believe it or not, not much has changed over the past five months.

He's leading the American League in batting (.330), hits (188), multiple-hit games (55) and runs (108) and third in doubles (43) and total bases (283). He has knocked in 22 runs in his last 19 games, is batting .600 over his last seven games, and has nine hits in 14 at-bats in the cleanup spot. -- this was taken off of Boston.com -- Pedroia also has 17 homers, 17 stolen bases and 76 runs batted in.

Can he actually win the MVP of the American League? I mentioned earlier that Youkilis had no shot. I'm not too sure about Pedroia the Destroia. Numbers aside, he is making a lot of noise at the right time of the year. Batting clean up will help his chances. Defensively, Lustin for Dustin is an above average fielder.

His competition for the award comes from White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin (36 hr's, 100 rbi's) and Francisco Rodriguez (54 saves chasing the major league record of 58).

Willie Hernandez (1984, 32 saves, 9-3 record, 1.92 era) and Dennis Eckersely (1992, 51 saves, 7-1 record, 1.91 era) are the only relievers to ever win MVP awards. K-Rod's free agent year has been outstanding (2-2 record, 54 saves, 2.43 era). He would be my choice as the Cy Young winner over Cliff Lee. If Pedro Martinez did not win the MVP in 1999 because some New York writer refused to include him in the top ten of his ballot because Pedro was a pitcher, I don't think K-Rod will get consideration. Saves are an overrated stat.

Quentin has come out of nowhere to have an outstanding season and has to be considered the favorite. He has turned it up since the all star break hitting 14 home runs.

The best thing about the Duster is that he is the opposite of Robbie Cano. Cano is more concerned with the idea of looking cool while attempting to do his job. While Peds just wants to be successful and will do anything to do that. How many times have you watched the Red Sox second baseman dive in the 4-3 hole? How many times for the Yankee guy? Cano is far more talented but does not get the most out of his ability while MVPredroia gets every ounce out of what he has. I truly think Cano would like to swing and miss and look good while Dustin Pedroia only cares about getting the job done.

What to look for this week

What I called a crucial stretch is over. The Sox went 5-2 over those last seven games. I'm not complaining but if we didn't give that last game of the series to the Yanks, we would have been 6-1. With the Rays on absolute fire, our best bet may be to hold onto the wild card.

This means not rushing Drew (just got an epidural), Lowell (taking bp today), Beckett (scheduled to start on Friday), Casey (neck getting better) and Youkilis (day to day with the flu) back into action before they are ready. The problem with this is a three game lead in the loss column over Minnesota is not a done deal. The remaining schedule definitely favors the Red Sox. The Twins, because of some meaningless convention in the dome, are finishing up a road trip. They still have thirteen road games remaining. While the Sox play in Fenway for seventeen of their last twenty-six games.

We get Baltimore for three starting on Monday and then after an off day Thursday travel to Texas for three. This two teams are very similar in the fact that they are not strong on the mound but have some serious offensive weapons. The Sox should score some runs but will have to pitch well.

Let's be conservative and hope for a 4-2 week. Asking the team to sweep one of these teams may be too much to ask when considering the amount of injuries the club is trying to overcome.

A couple of player notes:

Jacoby Ellsbury is starting to get it going. He is stealing bases again after being in a drought. This is some seriously good news.

Dustin Predrioa continues to amaze. Ozzie Guillen said he intentionally walked Big Brown's jockey. Good stuff. As far as batting him fourth, neat idea but let's get Youk back.

Manny Delcarmen has looked dominant of late. This could be a good sign. I'm still not sold.

Mark Kotsay has looked refreshed since his arrival. I like him more than Brandon Moss. I did not realize he was this good.

Jed Lowrie has been solid offensively but I'm very impressed with his defense at both third and shortstop. He makes all the routine plays.

"Down goes Beckett, down goes Beckett"

The news that Beckett was placed on the 15 Day DL is not welcomed news. We went from "he slept on it wrong" to "he'll skip one start" to "a tingly feeling" to "he'll return on Friday" to "bull pen session went well" to "elbow inflammation" to "15 Day DL" to "Dr. Andrews says there is nothing structurally wrong".

If you had to choose the one guy that made the 2007 World Championship possible, it was Beckett. He was as dominant as any pitcher in recent postseason memory. Granted Beckett did not pitch the team to a title by himself, he definitely set the tone. This year Dice-K and Lester look to be poised to elevate themselves over the latter part of the season. Wakefield is just coming off the DL, Colon is still on it, Buchholz has been sent down, Paul Byrd has kept us in the games he has pitched and Michael Bowden (which I am excited about) gets the start tomorrow. Needless to say, the Sox would like to have Beckett as close to 100% as possible. But what happens if he is not?

Can the Sox hold to the wildcard without him? What do our playoff chances look like?

My view is the Sox can still make the playoffs but will be hard pressed to get through the Angels without him. Anything could happen. Dice-K and Lester could carry the load. This injury puts a serious dent in our curve.

Please vote in the poll on the blog page. I'm anxious to see what the readers of the blog think.

"DYN-O-MITE !!!!!!"

Good Times -- Chicago 1974 - 1979

Any time you meet a payment. - Good Times.
Any time you need a friend. - Good Times.
Any time you’re out from under.
Not getting hassled, not getting hustled.
Keepin’ your head above water,
Making a wave when you can.
Temporary lay offs. - Good Times.
Easy credit rip offs. - Good Times.
Scratchin’ and surviving. - Good Times.
Hangin in a chow line - Good Times.
Ain’t we lucky we got ‘em - Good Times

Spoken by John Amos: "Good Times was taped in front of a live studio audience."

Good Times New York August 27th 2008

Any time Johnny Damon has to throw a ball from the outfield - Good Times.
Any time Jason Bay is up with men on base - Good Times.
Any time the crowd leaves early.
Sox fans not getting hassled and the Yanks not hustling.
Pushin' the Yankees heads under water,
Making Hank sulk cause we can.
Pedroia hits a granny - Good Times.
The Yanks complaining to the umps - Good Times.
Winnin' and surviving.
Hangin' in the playoff race - Good Times.
Ain't we lucky we got'em - Good Times.

Spoken by Jack Nicholson : Good Times was viewed in front of a live Yankee Stadium audience.

Tonight's Line Ups and Analysis

Boston:

Ellsbury -- RF
Pedroia -- 2B
Ortiz -- DH
Youkilis -- 3B
Bay -- LF
Lowrie -- SS
Crisp -- CF
Bailey -- 1B
Cash -- C

Wakefield --P

New York

Damon -- CF
Jeter -- SS
Abreu -- RF
A Rodriguez -- 3B
Giambi -- 1B
Nady -- LF
Matsui -- DH
Cano -- 2B
Molina -- C

Pettitte -- P

Holy mismatch, Batman! The Sox are in trouble tonight.

Wakefield's first game off of the DL. The Yanks NEED to win. No JD Drew, again. Our last three batters -- Crisp, Bailey, Cash --are simply not good. Pettitte always seems to "bulldog" versus the Sox (he'll bend but not break). Boston's last trip to Yankee Stadium ever. Jeter and Damon have been on fire. Seriously, how does Beattle Bailey get a start tonight? Molina has shut down the Sox running game this year.

The Red Sox have no shot tonight. For entertainment purposes only, they are bigger underdogs than the twenty-four pounds of king crab legs at a buffet that Oprah has stumbled in to after Stedman has told her to just stop talking for the fifty-second time over the last week.





I'm hoping I jinx the Yanks like I did Lester on Saturday.

Update: The time is 10:33 PM on Tuesday, August 26th. Chalk this upset right up there with the 1980 USA hockey team winning the gold, Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson, Chaminade beating the Ralph Sampson led #1 ranked Virginia, a little, slow, Italian guy named Rocky beating the vastly more talented Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, Ivan Drago and Tommy Morrison (pre-HIV) , Lyle Lovett marrying Julia Roberts, Villanova over Georgetown and the American colonists winning independence from Great Britain.

At the conclusion of the game, I actually yelled "Do you believe in miracles?"

As expected, Wakefield was rusty. Lopez, Masterson, Delcarmen, Okajima and Papelbon all got it done. The bottom of the order (Bailey, Crisp, Cash) had some timely hits and some great base running. Bay didn't seem to be fazed. Pettitte (after calling this a must win) was awful. ARod and IRod both got booed.

A great night to be above the ground!!!

Crucial Stretch

Today's finale in Toronto, three games in New York and three home games against the White Sox make this a crucial stretch in the season.

Toronto is playing very well. The Yankees are trying to go on one more run and stand just five games behind the Sox in the wild card. The Chisox trail the Sox by only a half game also.

The sky is not falling, yet. However, with the pitching looking thin and Drew and Lowell not in the line up, things could go wrong very quickly. I'm not saying it will but it definitely could.

Dice-K goes today after I jinxed Lester yesterday. We could use six innings (he averages 5.2) from him and then hand the game over to Masterson, Okajima and Papelbon. Wakefield gets the start on Tuesday. This is a huge start for him and the team. Byrd and Lester finish the series in NY.

Beckett returns on Friday versus the White Sox. The news that he slept on his arm "wrong" and felt a tingling was replaced by inflammation in his elbow. This is truly scary stuff.

The dog days of August are about to be replaced by the importance of September baseball. The Sox look to be limping into this crucial stretch. Let's hope the pitching holds up and the line up produces some timely hitting.

BTW -- Sox win in Toronto??

Much needed win last night in Toronto. Paul Byrd was okay. Bullpen was great. Pedroia, Varitek (?) and CoCo (??) led the offense.

BTW -- observations

• The Blue Jays' throwback powder blue uniforms are pretty sweet. If these are replicas of those uniforms worn by players in the late eighties and nineties, today's ball players are smaller and in better shape because those unis sure are baggy.

• Sox are looking much better on the road of late. They have won 10 of their last 13 games away from Fenway. A good sign. Still, they are something like 0-13 in their last one run road games.


• Paul Byrd's head size is huge. I think the team took the hat off of the old bullpen car to accommodate him. If a player's dome size is an indicator of performance enhancing drug use, Byrd took HGH far more than once.


• These injuries are becoming a concern, Lowell, Wakefield, Beckett, Lugo, Drew all are on the shelf and the team seems to not miss a beat. This is a reflection of the depth that the organization possesses. Claymation gets sent down and the injuries to two other starters for any other franchise would be panic time but Red Sox Nation says, "Colon is ready and I want to see what Bowden can do." Also, Daniel Bard (teammate of Norwich's Andrew Carrigan at UNC) is throwing bullets as the AA closer. He was clocked twice at over 100 MPH last week. Granted that number is more than likely exaggerated (there are two different radar guns that are around 3-4 mph different). Please no more Charlie Zink.


• Good to see Varitek breaking through of late. Three games, three homers. He was swinging and missing so often, it was almost as if he was pulling a Manny and trying to not get resigned. Now we all know Tek is far too competitive to ever do such a thing. I'm Boras is relieved.


• Lester vs. Litsch today. Advantage Sox. Some idiots wanted to trade Lester away in the off season. Idiots like that should never be allowed the opportunity to voice their opinions. This guy will be our second starter in the playoffs (if we get there).


• Okajima has turned himself around very nicely.


• Is Southington's Carl Pavano really starting for the Yanks today? I remember being upset he chose the Pinstripers over the Sox. Don't sweat the small stuff. It would be an act of the supernatural if he goes more than five innings.


• I like the idea of instant replay on home runs. I am opposed to the idea of replay for all other instances.


• Is Pedroia going to win the gold glove? It seems he makes every play. Did anyone catch what he said to the home plate umpire in Baltimore that got him ejected? Pretty good. That same umpire yelled at hitting coach Dave Magadan to stay away from the caffeine when he was chirping from the dugout.


• Theo looks like a genius again for not trading away Coco. For a fourth outfielder he has played an awful lot.


• Good luck to local guy Scott Chiasson in his quest to get back to the majors. Chiasson was recently signed out of the Mexican League by the Orioles and basically has about ten days to prove he can still get it done. If he does not get called up by Sept. 1st he will be released. Scotty, we are all rooting for you.

Batting ninth and playing second base ...

Bobby Doerr (1937-1951)

9 time AL All star

Elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame -- 1986



Doerr was signed on the same scouting trip that produced Ted Williams. Doerr's fourteen year career totalled some impressive numbers; 1094 runs (5th in team history), 2042 hits (6th), 223 home runs (8th), 1247 runs batted (5th) in and a .288 batting average. Other than batting average, these stats rank him a top the all-time list for second baseman in Sox history. These numbers are even more impressive when you consider Doerr's career was cut short due to injury at the halfway mark of what proved to be his last season.

There is really no one else to consider in Sox history for this spot. Doerr's number 1 was retired and adorns the facing of the right field roof facade.

So here's our starting batting order:

Wade Boggs 3B
Tris Speaker CF
Ted Williams LF
Manny Ramirez DH
Jimmie Foxx 1B
Nomar Garciaparra SS
Dwight Evans RF
Carlton Fisk C
Booby Doerr 2B

In the coming weeks we will name the starting pitchers, relief pitchers and reserve players.

Who does Jason Bay resemble?

A loyal reader of this blog and a friend of mine are in a debate over this question. You can decide for yourself. Jason Bay is the one in the Pirate hat.

If you can name the other three men, that would be semi-impressive. Hint two of the three are dead.

Where to go with Lugo?

Nomar Garciaparra, Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Alex Gonzalez, Julio Lugo, Jed Lowrie.

Six starting shortstops over the past five seasons. Jed Lowrie has certainly made a statement over the past twenty-five games. He has played (.300 average, most rbi since all star break for a shortstop and no errors at shortstop) his way into the starting shortstop position for the next four to five years. Not since Nomar have the Sox had a shortstop that combines ability, performance and a team friendly contract that allows fans to envision a shortstop of the present and future.

Then there's Julio Lugo. The good news for the Sox is Lugo's injury allowed management to promote Lowrie permanently and give him a chance to play everyday. The bad news is Lugo is rehabbing and will probably be added to the big club after the rosters expand on September 1st. What will the team do with a guy who they are contractually committed to for the next two seasons at roughly $9 million per year?

Due to the high price tag, the Sox will have to be creative in moving Lugo. But trading Lugo this coming off season is what they will like to do. My feeling is they will need to "eat" a good part of his contract like the Sox did when dumping Rent-a-Wreck after the 2005 season.

Before signing with the Sox, Lugo was traded to the Dodgers in 2006 for the pennant chase. He was used as an utility player appearing in games as shortstop, third base and the outfield. Lugo struggled with this role and consequently became disgruntled. I mention this for two reasons.

#1 If the team does not trade him, Lugo could be a great bench player seeing time at third base, shortstop, second base and left field. He would also be a running option off of the bench. For this reason, I can see him staying with the team through next year.

#2 Will Lugo be able to handle a non-starting role? He didn't in LA. Lugo seems to enjoy his playing experience in Boston. He will be paid like an everyday starter. The Red Sox do not need any clubhouse distractions during their quest to make the playoffs.

The remainder of the season will prove to be interesting as afar as Lugo is concerned.

"You had a bad day ..."

Looks like this one is over early at Fenway. End of the third and the Sox are down 8-0. Beckett's day is done after two and a third innings.

Over the past three or four years, the Blue Jays have given the Sox fits especially up in the "North Country". Today they jump on Beckett and Marcum is dealing.

Let's hope something good can come out of this. Let's get Buchholz in the game and allow him work some stuff out.

I can't watch this anymore .... I'm going to the beach to finish a good book.

BTW ....

• Why did the Sox wear their 'reds" yesterday? I guess37 runs in three games wasn't good enough
• This Youkilis for MVP stuff is just going to get our hopes up. Quick who was the last 2 MVPs the Sox have had? (Answer at bottom)
• Do we really need to remove a 16 year old kid for "interfering" with Papi's disputed double on Tuesday. If Francona is going to argue it was a homer, 38,000 people are screaming the same, video replays say it is a toss up why not let the kid stay. Four umpires say he interfered so the kid is kicked out. "You're not god. You're just a high school football coach."
• Who do you trust out of the bullpen? Starter goes seven + Masterson in the 8th + Papelbon in the ninth = a winning % of .950. Anyone else added to the equation effect the winning percentage as follows; Timlin (-.300), Aardsma (-.500), Okijima (-.050), Lopez (-200), and Delcarmen (-250). Reminds me of a hefty lefty reliever back in the early 90's named Joe Price. The Sox winning % when he appeared in a game was like .350
• Bought the wife a pink Red Sox hat up at Fenway and she said she preferred a red one. Found a solid red hat at TJ Maxx in Norwich for $5.
• Message to Boras and Varitek -- the contract is 2 years for $19.5 million. Take it or leave it.
• Who the heck does Jason Bay look like in the face? I can't seem to place it.

Answer = Mo Vaughn in 1995 (Albert Belle was robbed) and Roger Clemens in 1986. If you said Mike Greenwell in 1988 you get a quarter of a point (he was the runner up to a juiced up Canseco)

"Ding dong, the witch is dead" ??????

The New York Post has pronounced the New York Yankees dead. Hank "the boss" was recently quoted as saying "wait 'til next year".









The question is : Are the Yanks so far behind that they cannot recover?

My gut tells me the Yanks still have a run in them. Sitting six games behind the wild card leading Red Sox, the Yankees return home from a road trip that included stops at division leading Anaheim and Minnesota. The NY Post is looking to sell newspapers. Why Hank would say such things, no one knows. With forty some odd games remaining, this upcoming home stand is crucial.

I know the injuries are piling up. Posada and Matsui are done. But, Jeter will be fine. The line up will produce. Mussina and Pettitte will have to carry the starters. Rivera is automatic (Yes, I know he blew a save in Minnesota). The big question is will Joba return. If he does, I think it shows the team is not quitting. 50,000 people a night at the stadium can't be thrilled paying big bucks for a seat with the team packing it in.

I hope the Yanks pack it in because it will benefit the Red Sox but I doubt it happens.

I'm wondering what Yankee fans are thinking about this. In all my life I have never heard a Fan of the Pinstripers say, "We are all done".

The Game of the Year

Last night's 19-17 win is to date the game of the year. Last year's GOY was the Mother's Day Miracle win over Baltimore. Lucky enough to be in the crowd, I had the full range of emotions.

Rookie Charlie Zink starts the game against the powerful Ranger line up and mixes his knuckle ball with a 80-82 mph fastball. Top of the inning goes well bottom of the inning is unbelievable. Papi hits a missile deep into the right field grandstand seats with two on. Lowrie hits a two run double. Papi hits a bomb to the triangle in center another three run homer. Let me tell you, the crowd was going nuts. Sox fans, unlike Laker fans, always show up for game time. Myself and my three buddies all joked that we should had home because the game was over with a 10-0 lead after one inning.

Lead was 12-2 when Zink started to get tattooed. He was not fooling anyone. Javier Lopez enters and departs giving up a run and getting one out. Aardsma gets an out but gives up four runs. Delcarmen gets rocked. Elation turned to desperation. Double, single, walk, double, single, double, single, Kinsler's moon shot!! A 10 run lead becomes a 16-14 deficit. Unreal. Crowd actually turned and started booing the relievers.

Pedrioa's double that scored Ellsbury from first got the Sox within 16-15. Okajima actually pitched a perfect inning in the eighth. Then you have Youkilis' homer that he crushed. To top it off Paplebon closes it out with the entire place standing.

This was one of the most memorable regular games I have ever witnessed firsthand. Thirty-six runs and a ten run first inning don't happen everyday. This would have been a devastated loss. Instead we can hope that this propels the team to more wins. The time is now.

Good Time to Make a Run

Nice job by Beckett and Drew last night. We definitely needed that one.

The Rays, finishing up a trip on the west coast, placed both Evan Longaria and Carl Crawford on the DL. The Yanks are in a funk playing the Angels and Twins. The Sox return to Fenway for a six game home stand versus Texas and Toronto.

The goal over the course of 162 games is to make the playoffs. I don't care if it is a wild card or division champ. Naturally, we would like to win the division and get home field advantage in the first round. A hot streak would go a long way to solidifying a playoff spot. The timing is right for the Sox to gain on Tampa. Longaria and Crawford are two of the most important guys in their line up. The Sox have been monsters at home.

We all know the Yankees are going to make their own run before this year is over. Their line up is way too good to struggle as they have of late. The fact that they are looking for help from none other than Carl Pavano is pretty comical.

Anything less than a 4-2 record on this home stand will be disappointing.

B.L.O.B.

The Body Language of Buchholz (B.L.O.B.) absolutely sucks!!!!! Staked to a three run lead he gives up three homers and can't get out of the fourth inning. All the while his shoulders are slouched, his eyes are anywhere but focused and his body tells us he wants no part of of being out there competing.

Now, I realize he is still a young player for the team. With the news that Wakefield will miss at least one start due to shoulder stiffness (same injury that kept off of last year's postseason roster), the Sox need Clay right now.

I also realize all human beings go through periods of time where our confidence is shaken. Dealing with these instances gets easier as people mature.

The BLOB should be manageable for this young man. Former NESN studio analyst Bob Tewksbury is the team's sports psychologist. This man needs to earn his money and work this mental aspect of the game out with Buchholz. Obviously, it will take some work but it is painful watching him pitch right now.

You can tell by the BLOV (body language of Varitek). He was very antsy behind the plate and even on one occasion looked to the dugout to let them know Clay was done.

I am not bashing Clay. I hope he can get through this. He is immensely talented and seems to be a good guy. I am not sure if management will have too much more patience.

Colon pitched today and did well but he still at least 10 days away. I'm hoping Michael Bowden gets the start on Tuesday.

Sox vs. Sox

Dice K was the best he has been all year last night. His slider was filthy, his change was diving away from lefties and he spotted his fastball. Why is he not in the discussion for the Cy Young? 13-2 with a 2.92 earned run average. I realize that he has walked way too many guys but his overall numbers are as good as many in the American League. Lackey, Halliday, Mussina (?), should be his main competition but the writer's will probably vote for K-Rod. Fransisco Rodriguez has been absolutely lights out this year closing for the Angels

Does NESN have a thing for Ozzie Guillen or what? They have a camera on him at all times for this series. I know some people don't like him but I appreciate Guillen's candor. Remember in the 2005 World Series when he walked to the mound and summoned his hefty closer Bobby Jenks by making a big belly sign and not tapping his right arm? Or how about, this year's tirade about how the media in Chicago give the Cubs much love and the White Sox get none even after winning the World Series? His most recent outburst focused on his pitchers throwing at hitters. All good stuff.

JD Drew batting lead off has not been too bad but the Nation must be hoping Ellsbury's recent surge gets him back to lead off. The line up gets far more balanced with Drew in the 5th or 6th spot.

Does anyone really care that Julio Lugo is rehabbing? Jed Lowrie is doing just fine thank you.

What exactly is Brian Giles thinking? He could have come to Boston and been in the middle of a playoff race and gotten two million extra dollars to boot. Instead he stays in San Diego as their fourth outfielder, trying to hit in the most pitcher friendly park in all of baseball. Good luck!

After the dust has settled ...

After the dust known as the trade dead line has settled, it looks as if the new team to beat in the American League is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

During the last seven days of July the Angels made three very big statements.

Shout Out #1 -- Went into Fenway and swept the Red Sox. After taking three games in Anaheim before the All Star break, the Angels rode into the Fens and swept the Sox. They outslugged, outpitched, outhit and simply outplayed the home team.

Shout Out #2 -- Went into Yankee Stadium and were disappointed in splitting four games. After taking the first two they lost the last two including the final game surrendering a three run lead.

Shout Out #3 -- Traded for Mark Teixeira. Casey Kotchman and a minor league pitcher for an All Star, middle of the order switch hitter was an absolute steal.

While the Red Sox have had the Angels' number of late in the playoffs, it looks like the West Coasters have passed their nemesis by adding Teixeira. The Sox losing Manny does factor into this but even before that I thought they had closed the gap. The starting pitching, defense, and closer all look to be even. The most glaring and obvious advantage is in middle relief. One could argue this was the case in 2004 and 2007 also.

I am not handing the Angels the pennant. There is still plenty of time for the Sox to find some consistency in middle relief (Is Timlin getting hot again?) and get the offense going (Calling Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz). It is clear the Sox have some catching up to do.

My AL Rankings (chance of getting to the World Series) as of August 6th;

1. Angels
2. Red Sox
3. Rays
4. White Sox
5. Yankees
6. Twins

Are We There Yet?

The calendar reads August so I guess this is the time we figure out what teams are for real and what teams don't have what it takes.

The Sox open a seven game road trip out in Kansas City tonight. KC has been playing well of late. Clay Buchholz starts the opener. Clay needs a good showing. He has struggled mightily this year. He always seems to have one bad inning a game. The other starters (Beckett, Dice-K, Lester and Wakefield) have been solid. With Bartolo Colon rehabbing in AAA Pawtucket this week, Buchholz's regular starts may be coming to an end.

The team is now built around pitching and defense. Regardless of whatever people are saying, the offense did take a step back last week with the trade. It sure would be nice to see Buchholz get the team off on the right foot to begin this road trip.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

I have been away on vacation the past couple of days, my apologies for the lack of a post.

We need to step away from baseball for a post because I had an urgent request from a reader.

Dear Dr. Phil:

I am still in love with my partner of the past eight years but am finding it more and more difficult to put up with their constant lack of consideration for my feelings. This situation seems unmanageable. Do I hold on and try to make this work? I really feel that we have enough to make one more go at it.

Please help me.

Frolicking at the Fens

Dear Fens'


Sometimes the best thing to do when in a relationship that is not working for either side is to sever ties completely. You may think you and your partner can relive the glorious days gone by but quite simply there is too much baggage.

You know your significant other far too well. You remember when they were not there for you when they were desperately needed. You recall how they "quit you" back in 2006. Recently, you see how they treated your elderly grandparent when they did not get their way. Before that they even got physical and slapped a trusted friend. How about their appearance? They seem to not care about how they look and have come far too complacent. To top it all off, they say things like; "you don't deserve me", "I just want to know where I stand", "I'm sick of you. You're sick of me", and "You are trying to paint me as a bad person". All of your sweetheart's co-workers have had enough of the unprofessionalism, laziness, selfishness and the "I don't care how the company performs"-ness.

What to do you do? You get rid of this person. You two had a great run. Many happy times that will be forever captured in the digital camera that is your heart and soul will remain but it is time to move on. You know both of you will be better off without each other. Your former significant other had some qualities that will be impossible to replace but you move on.

There might be a nice Canadian that just moved in down the street. He or she is from the Niagara Falls region your friends wouldn't know them. This person may not be what your ex is but they can fill the void. I only hope your ex does not hook up with your hated rival next spring. Seeing someone you had such strong feelings for at least nineteen times in the arms of another that you have such animosity for would be almost too much to bear.

Yours in all that is love,

Dr. Phil

Game 3 observations ...

• Daily Manny Moment -- interesting negotiating strategy. Bad mouth the owner and then say you'll play in Iraq next year if need be. I know this has been analyzed to death over the past week but the bottom line is the guy has been getting paid $20 million a year for the past 8 years. He owes it to his employer and the people that go to watch him perform to play.


• A No Rain Rain Delay --Super Doppler 5,000,000 predicted rain for the start of the game, the problem is it never rained after 7:30 PM last night in Boston. Granted it poured from about 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM but nothing after that


• Johnny B. Good -- Lester looks like he has put IT together. He is throwing strikes and challenging hitters. Beckett, Dice K and Lester have been very consistent this year. Too bad some imbecile fans wanted to trade Lester earlier ;)


• Papi's Swinging It -- The off time dealing with the wrist has helped that gimpy knee heal. That was an absolute laser he hit last night.


• My Most Hated T Shirt -- A recent article called for Sox fans to stop the "Yankees Suck" chant. I will not jump on that bandwagon just yet (30 years of "1918" chants still ring in my head). I will like to start a movement to halt the making on wearing of the T-shirts that say; "I root for two teams. The Red Sox and anyone who beats the Yankees." I get it, really I do. However, this is idiotic. Do I root against the Yankees? Yes and no, you know? I won't root for the Rays to beat the Yankees when the Sox are chasing the Rays. What member of Red Sox Nation would? The teams fans root against, other than there team's opponent or a team ahead of them in the standings, are the ones who win all the time. Like Notre Dame football back in the day, the Patriots, or Duke men's basketball. These shirts make no sense in this millennium.


• Bertucci's Comes Through -- My new favorite pregame meal is Bertucci's. My daughter and I went last night and it was outstanding. A little pricey but portions were generous. Good stuff.